Madison is home to child-friendly museums, parks and amuseument parks.
Madison, Wisconsin's capital city, offers a range of family-friendly activities and attractions. Many, including the UW Geology Museum and the Henry Vilas Zoo, are free. Parks and beaches in Madison -- many of which line the shores of lakes close to downtown -- offer children and families opportunities to swim, play and relax. Other child-friendly attractions in the city include amusement parks and gardens.
Parks and Beaches
Madison has 13 beaches and more than 260 parks (cityofmadison.com). Enjoy beaches on the shores of Lake Monona and Lake Mendota. Marshall Park has a popular sandy beach with grassy areas for recreation and a forested area. The park is a popular spot for biking, fishing, picnics and swimming.
With views of the downtown skyline, Olin Park is a starting point for exploring the Beltline, Capital City and Wingra bike trails. The park also features a boat launch, beach and playground.
Museums
The Madison Children's Museum (madisonchildrensmuseum.org) is home to Wildernest, a playful space built out of natural materials and sustainably harvested hardwoods for children under 5 to learn about science, math and art. Children can create original art works there, and the science and art Possible-opolis exhibit is built from recycled and reused materials. The UW Geology Museum (geology.wisc.edu) teaches visitors about Wisconsin's natural history with exhibits on fossils, rocks and minerals.
Amusement Parks
Little Amerricka (littleamerricka.com) features 26 rides and attractions, including the 2-mile Whiskey River Railway through the Wisconsin countryside. Children can play a round at an 18-hole miniature golf course, and ride go karts or one of three toboggan roller coasters in the world, bumper boats and cars, roller coasters and other rides.
Vitense Golfland (vitense.com) offers two outdoor and one indoor miniature golf course. Other attractions at Golfland are platform tennis, a water park, an arcade, remote-controlled boats, trampolines, a climbing wall and batting cages.
Zoos and Gardens
The International Crane Foundation (savingcranes.org) works to preserve habitats of the world's cranes. Visitors to the foundation's headquarters in Baraboo can take guided tours and learn about 15 crane species or explore nature trails.
Primates and big cats call the Henry Vilas Zoo (vilaszoo.org) home. Other exhibits at the zoo, which opened in 1911, include the Tropical Rainforest Aviary and a children's zoo with a play area, electric train and carousel.
The Olbrich Botanical Gardens (olbrich.org) features outdoor gardens with Midwest and tropical flora, as well as an indoor conservatory.
Tags: Geology Museum, golf course, Henry Vilas, learn about, Madison Wisconsin
